Maths inspiration for Bath sixth-formers
Buro Happold software developer’s advice to students adds up
Sixth formers in Bath enjoyed a unique opportunity to see how maths is applied beyond the curriculum thanks to international consulting engineer Buro Happold.
Paul Shepherd, a senior analyst with the Bath-based firm was invited to talk about his role to students at Kingswood School yesterday (Wednesday 4 October). Students from Ralph Allen School, Bath High School and Prior Park College also attended the extra-curricular session.
The presentation focused on the maths behind some of Buro Happold’s most high-profile projects, including the provision of multi-disciplinary engineering services for the Millennium Dome and Arsenal Football Club’s breathtaking new Emirates Stadium. For example, Paul explained how mathematics helped with the design of the stadium roof, giving the spectators unobstructed views and helping to make the grass grow.
Paul, whose design software has won several construction industry awards, said: “Some people think that maths has no life after A-levels or relevance to the real world, but they couldn’t be more wrong. It’s important to get across that maths is critical in everyday life, particularly when it comes to the buildings around us in which we live, work and play.
“I was very impressed by the student’s enthusiasm. It helps when the subject matter is enlivened by using examples that have such an obvious appeal to the audience - a few of the students are Arsenal fans and even wore the shirts!”
The talk is a forerunner to a prestigious maths event at Greenwich Theatre in November when Paul will be joining other leading lights from the field for Maths Inspiration – part of a programme of events for sixth-formers, which is designed to be fun, informative and inspiring.
Kingswood School’s Head of Maths, Garrod Musto, said: “All of us use maths in our everyday lives, whether knowingly or not, and an opportunity such as this to engage students was not one to be missed. It was fantastic for the students to get an insight into the creation of such wonderful structures.
“Given the tremendous feedback I have received from those who attended, I feel certain that using these excellent examples of mathematics at work will inspire them to continue to study maths at a higher level.”
Ends
Buro Happold
Press office and practice information at www.burohappold.com
A photograph of Paul with some of the students is available, please contact the press office:
Contact:
Louise Hawgood
Press officer
Tel +44 (0)1225 320600 ext.2178
Fax +44 (0)8707 874148
Email louise.hawgood@burohappold.com
Buro Happold is a multi-disciplinary international practice of consulting engineers established in 1976. It offers civil and structural engineering, mechanical and electrical engineering, quantity surveying, building services and environmental engineering, health and safety management, infrastructure and traffic engineering, ground engineering, façade engineering, fire engineering, computational fluid dynamics analysis, disability design consultancy, project management, urban design and a range of specialist CAD services.
Maths Inspiration
Maths Inspiration is an initiative aimed at motivating pupils at Year 11 and above to pursue maths and other critical thinking subjects to a higher level at school and beyond.
For more information visit www.mathsinspiration.com
